Colon Cancer Rising In Young Adults: Early Signs You Should Not Ignore

• Approximately 20% of younger adults with early-onset colorectal cancer had one or more these 4 signs between 3 months to 2 years prior to diagnosis. Abdominal pain emerged as one of the most common signs showing in 11.6% of people with cancer versus 7.7% in the controls. Recently, leading gut doctor Saurabh Sethi explained some of the major symptoms of colon cancer. Some of the are:

• Blood in stool

• Anemia without any known cause

• Thinner stool shape

• Worsening constipation

• Unexplained weight loss

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is on the rise in young adults. The cancer develops in the polyps in the inner lining of the colon. The cancer may not show any apparent symptoms immediately. However, you may notice some common symptoms like abdominal or pelvic pain, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and blood in stool.

Several problems may also cause change in bowel movements and food poisoning is one of the most common causes. However, if the problem continues to persist for more than a month or two, it is important to get in touch with your doctor.

Colon cancer can begin in the polyps on the inner lining of the rectum and colon. Colon cancer can impact the colon or rectum of large intestine. Even polyps in colon (abnormal tissue growths that protrude from the inner lining of the large intestine or rectum) may also become cancerous.

Cancerous polyps can grow from colon’s inner lining to spread to other parts of body. Colon cancer can be a serious issue but eliminating the precancerous polyps can prevent colon cancer before it begins. Early diagnosis and cure to remove cancerous polyps may treat the disease.  

According to a study published in National Cancer Institute, approximately 20% of younger adults with early-onset colorectal cancer had one or more these 4 signs between 3 months to 2 years prior to diagnosis. Abdominal pain emerged as one of the most common signs showing in 11.6% of people with cancer versus 7.7% in the controls. However, rectal bleeding had the strongest link with a diagnosis of early-onset colorectal cancer, followed by iron deficiency anemia. The more signs an individual witnessed, the more likely they were to have been diagnosed with the disease. ¹

Recently, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist and liver specialist, also educated at Harvard and Stanford, took to his Instagram account and highlighted the early signs of colon cancer.  

Why It Matters?

Dr Saurabh Sethi said, “colon cancer in young adults is on the rise, affecting people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s! Recognising these symptoms can lead to early detection and better outcomes." ²

Early Signs Of Colon Cancer

Sign 1: Blood In The Stool: Dr Sethi said, “blood in your stool could be an early indicator. If the blood is coming from deep in your digestive tract, it may appear black instead of red.” Blood in the stool is the primary and critical warning signs of colon cancer. The cancer is often asymptomatic in the initial stages and this is the reason why screening is necessary.  

Sign 2: Anemia Without A Known Cause: “Experiencing unexplained anemia? This could be a potential warning sign indicating something serious,” revealed the gut doctor. Unexplained anemia or deficiency of iron is also one of the key early signs and a silent indicator of the disease. Tumours on the right side of colon can bleed gradually into the stool for months without being visible obvious. Over a period of time, the chronic blood loss can deplete iron stores thus causing anemia.  

Sign 3: Thinner Stool Shape: The AIIMS-trained doctor asked to “notice that your stool shape has changed and is thinner.” This can signal an obstruction in your colon. Ribbon like stool can be a potential early sign of this cancer. The change takes place when a tumour in the left side of the colon or rectum narrows the passageway causing stool to squeeze into a thinner shape while passing.

Sign 4: Worsening Constipation: Are you experiencing increasing constipation? An obstruction could be causing this discomfort, so pay attention, urged the doctor. It can be an early sign of the cancer in case if it is caused by growing tumour narrowing or obstructing the colon. Meanwhile, symptoms may differ extensively and several cases of constipation are not related to cancer.  

Sign 5: Abdominal Pain: Consistent abdominal pain should not be ignored as this could be due to a mass pushing against nerve endings in your colon, suggested Dr Sethi. In its initial states, colon cancer often does not display any symptoms. When abdominal pain takes place as an early warning sign, it is generally explained as an intermittent crampy feeling, continuous gas, bloating, or belly discomfort.  

Sign 6: Sudden Weight Loss Or Loss Of Appetite: If you are losing weight unexpectedly or have a reduced appetite, it could be linked to colon health issues. Sudden and unexplained weight loss can be a major warning sign of this form of cancer. If you lose more than 5% of your body weight over 6 to 12 months without trying, you should speak to your doctor.

FAQs

References

1. National Cancer Institute|Study Identifies Potential Warning Signs of Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults

2. Dr Saurabh Sethi, AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist and liver specialist, also educated at Harvard and Stanford|Early signs of colon cancer

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.